Liberty’s Maci Strickland Embraces Growth, Faith, and a Fresh Start
Back to Work
School is back in session, which means student athletes have returned to campus after a summer of work, some rest, and also fun. Now with fall upon us, softball practices are firing up across the country in preparation for fall work and continuing to sharpen skills for the upcoming season in the spring.
Maci Strickland, a redshirt freshman infielder from Liberty University, is one of those student athletes, and I had the chance to catch up with her to see how her summer went and what life is like at Liberty under Coach Dot Richardson.
Summer in Chattanooga
During the summer, Maci played in the Scenic City Collegiate League in Chattanooga and worked on getting back with plenty of reps after her redshirt season. Strickland had been away from the playing field for almost two years due to injury, and she was eager to get back to it.
“Coming out of an injury after not playing in a game for almost 2 years, I was eager to get back on the field. I knew that not playing this summer was not an option for me. It gave me the opportunity to come back stronger and better after all the work I had put in to get back.”
Listed as an infielder, Maci has also worked as a utility player. Another good thing about the summer was learning and trying different positions. Strickland being able to see how she performed around the diamond was a plus. Then of course came the sharpening of everything that goes along at the plate.
“Playing this summer in Chattanooga allowed me to play different positions, which helped me get comfortable throwing at different distances/angles. It also allowed me to build the strength back up in my throw. Another improvement was my swing and approach at the plate.”
Strickland hit a solid .333 with a .412 on-base percentage and .491 slugging in 68 plate appearances this summer, also recording seven doubles, 10 RBIs, and 19 runs scored. A solid month for a player that needed to get back in the swing of things after an extended period away from the game.
“During my time off, I focused a lot on mindset and where my head should be during a game. I took the adjustments made to my swing and really worked on hitting the ball with intent, the outside pitch, hitting with power, and being consistent,” said Strickland.
Playing for Coach Dot
Now heading into the fall, Maci Strickland feels great and well prepared, she said. As you would expect, she is looking forward to being with her teammates and achieving amazing things together.
Liberty is no stranger to achieving amazing things under head coach Dot Richardson. Last season, the Lady Flames pulled one of the biggest upsets in college softball history, taking down the number one overall seed in Texas A&M. They advanced to their first-ever Super Regional in program history. A testament to the program that Coach Richardson has built, and the buy-in and belief the team has in that program. Coach Richardson has been at the helm for well over a decade, and the program has made several splashes along the way. No stranger to winning.
So what is it like playing for Coach Richardson? Strickland calls it all a blessing.
“Being able to play for Coach Dot is such a blessing. She holds us to a very high standard not just on the field, but personally and spiritually. She pushes us everyday to be our best in everything we do. She’s incredibly passionate about helping us grow as strong and confident women walking with the Lord,” said Maci Strickland.
There are much more important things to our lives than what we do in work or pleasure. Playing for Coach Dot Richardson and others with the same beliefs and outlooks will help you see that even more.
“Coach Dot brings so much energy to every practice and game. She brings her experience of the game and you can tell she genuinely cares about each of us beyond just softball.”
“She’s tough when she needs to be, but always trying to make us better, better players, better teammates, and most importantly better people. Being coached by someone with her level of knowledge, intensity, and faith in Jesus Christ is something I will forever be grateful for!”
Growth Through a Christ-Centered Program
This experience at Liberty has helped Maci Strickland in many ways. She has grown as a person on and off the field, become more confident in her play, and become better mentally in the game and as a leader. The most important thing for her is being on a faith-led team and in that kind of environment.
“Being part of a Christ-centered team has really changed how I view the game, it’s not just about wins, but about playing with purpose, integrity, and serving the Lord overall. I’ve learned to put the team first, to be a better teammate, and to play for something bigger than myself.”
A Message to Liberty Fans
Now that Maci Strickland has made the climb back to playing again after the tough time away from action, she has a message for Liberty fans who will hopefully get the chance to see the fruits of the work she has been putting in behind the scenes to get better and help lead the Liberty Lady Flames.
“Liberty fans can look forward to seeing my passion and drive every time I step on that field. I’m coming into this season with focus and preparation, and I’m ready to go. I’m ready to contribute in any way I can to help our team succeed. Whether it’s making the play, getting the hit, or being the best teammate I can be, I’m committed to giving my all every game. You can expect a player who competes with heart, plays for the glory of God, and represent the Liberty name!”
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